For the week of September 3 - 9, 2003

Gayler attempts suicide; in critical condition

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By MATT FURBER
Express Staff Writer

According to the Wasatch County Sheriff in Heber City, Utah, David Gayler of Hailey was found hanging from a bedsheet Monday afternoon, Sept. 1, in his prison cell in Wasatch County Jail.

He is in critical condition at the University of Utah Hospital in Salt Lake City, said county attorney, Thomas Low. "We are providing for his care."

Gayler was being held on charges related to a shooting incident that occurred Aug. 8 near Park City in the company of his fiancée, Natalie Turner, and Turner’s ex-husband John Pochnyok. Turner was the executive director of the Hailey Chamber of Commerce

Police stopped the three people traveling by car in Summit County a short distance from Pochynok’s Wasatch County home Aug. 8. Authorities say they shot Turner when she emerged from the car and pointed a gun at a deputy. Pochynok was found in the car with multiple gunshot wounds and is still recovering, police said.

Gayler had been charged Friday, Aug. 29, with first-degree felonies: attempted aggravated murder and aggravated kidnapping. He was also charged with possession of a weapon by a restricted person, a second degree felony; and for failing to stop for an officer, a third degree felony.

Gayler was found by a cellmate who immediately notified jail officials, Low said. Emergency CPR was administered, a pulse was established and Gayler was transported by ambulance to the Wasatch county Medical Center. He was later transported by air to the University of Utah Hospital in Salt Lake City.

 

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